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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-stasko-5184a695?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael J. Stasko Sr.</a> decided to invest in his own restaurant, the goal was to work alongside his daughter and two sons to create a bright spot for the breakfast and lunch crowd. So, the family got together and opened a breakfast and lunch restaurant called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnystreetcafe.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sunny Street Café</a>, which offered a menu that had a little something for everyone in a welcoming atmosphere open between the family-friendly hours of 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM. The experience of running the restaurant was so positive, Stasko Sr. decided to purchase the entire company. Today, led by multiple generations of the Stasko family, Sunny Street Cafe has grown to 23 corporate and franchised restaurants throughout five states in the U.S.&nbsp;“Within communities, these restaurants become a place for business meetings, family get-togethers and weekend brunches,” said President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmoffitt?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Scott Moffitt</a>. “Breakfast is how you start your day, and our whole mission is about making your days better. If we do that right, we will always have repeat customers coming back day after day. Now, we have wide open franchise growth opportunities in several markets we have already seeded —&nbsp;like Columbus and Dallas — and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to join a feel-good, family-driven brand as we gear up for our next stage of growth.”<h4>All About Family&nbsp;</h4>Stasko Sr.’s vision for the original Sunny Street Café was a family-focused restaurant, and that mission stays true today in every aspect of the business, from the leadership team to the menu and from the team members to the atmosphere. His sons,&nbsp;<a href="https://winmo.com/open/decision_makers/oh/columbus/mike/stasko-jr/263671?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike Stasko Jr.</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnystreetcafe.com/community-involvement/meet-chef-matt-stasko/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matthew Stasko</a>, serve as the Vice President of Brand Strategy, and the Corporate Chef &amp; Field Trainer, respectively. His daughter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-swallie-b94968101/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Maria Swallie</a> serves as the Director of Off-Premise Business Development for the growing restaurant franchise. All of them have been involved with the brand since Stasko Sr. first purchased it. .&nbsp;“Mike always wanted this to be a family business, which really aligns with the breakfast-lunch lifestyle,” said Moffitt. “This is a family-owned business with a great culture.”&nbsp;Today, this home-spun and all-in-the-family atmosphere has become a staple of Sunny Street Café and is a primary reason guests continue to come back day-after-day. Since the breakfast category is full of so many regulars, Moffitt says that excellent customer service, and therefore excellent employee retention, are a big priority.&nbsp;“We have some employees celebrating their 15-year anniversary with us,” said Moffitt. “That doesn’t happen by accident.&nbsp;As owners, we’re passionate about what we do, and we want that passion to trickle down to our staff. It is a fun, positive work environment where everyone from dishwashers to servers can enjoy the lifestyle, have time to pick up the kids from school and work their way up the ladder.”<h4>The Sunny Street Café Menu</h4>The Stasko family wasn’t interested in creating another average, run-of-the-mill breakfast and lunch chain like all those other national, all-day players. They aimed to separate themselves from the crowd without ever straying too far from what people love. In other words, Moffitt says, homestyle American fare, but with a twist.“These are options that are elevated past something consumers could make in their own kitchen,” said Moffitt. “It is comfort food. These are the items people crave — eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes — along with some unexpected twists.”The Sunny Street Café&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnystreetcafe.com/menus/breakfast/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935#" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">breakfast menu</a>, for example, features many of the standard staples, such as the classic hearty breakfast plate, the Denver omelet and homemade corn beef hash. But it also offers a few “tasty concoctions” and Tex Mex go-to’s, including loaded hash browns, breakfast quesadillas and cinnamon roll pancakes.&nbsp;The chain also has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnystreetcafe.com/menus/lunch/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935#" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">lunch menu</a> with favorites like the monterey ranch chicken wrap, the bistro burger and the fancy grilled cheese, as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnystreetcafe.com/menus/specials/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935#" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">specials menu</a> of fresh, made-from-scratch creations that are tailored for dine-in, delivery or to-go service, including Maria’s huevos rancheros, the banana crunch waffle breakfast and the super brunch torta. Sunny Street Café is also a popular choice for catering, whether it be for business meetings, family parties or any other event.&nbsp;This diverse spread appeals to a wide range of demographics and age groups, Moffitt says. Seniors love the classics, Millennials and Gen Zers love the innovative specials and even the youngest members of the family can satisfy their cravings thanks to Sunny Street Café’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnystreetcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SSC_DinoKidsMenu_FINAL_2021.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">kids menu</a>.&nbsp;<h4>A Brighter Future Ahead</h4>Today, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/breakfast-restaurants-diners-united-states/">$11.5 billion breakfast category</a> is only becoming more relevant as consumers look to enjoy community-driven restaurant experiences. While legacy all-day breakfast chains are losing their luster, family-run concepts that offer delicious options and a community-driven atmosphere, like Sunny Street Café, are only getting started.&nbsp;“This is a family business, so our vision is about opening restaurants that are successful, creating jobs and building regular places so local communities have a second home,” said Moffitt. “It is our people-first mentality that helps us build restaurants that provide great food at a great price with great service.”The Sunny Street Cafe team aims to award two to four new units by the end of 2023, targeting southern U.S. markets like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The ideal franchisee could be a single-unit or multi-unit owner, and while they don’t need restaurant experience, the key is that they understand the importance of the brand’s family-oriented culture.&nbsp;The total investment necessary to start a Sunny Street Café franchise comes in at $464,545-$1,307,514 with a franchise fee of $35,000. For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunnystreetcafe.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-sunny-street-cafe-appeals-to-all-ages-and-consumers-by-avoiding-the-boozy-brunch-space-and-serving-feel-good-food-in-a-comfortable-atmosphere-2721935" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.sunnystreetCafé.com/franchise/</a>

How Sunny Street Café Appeals to All Ages and Consumers by Avoiding the Boozy Brunch Space and Serving Feel-Good Food in a Comfortable Atmosphere

1851 Franchise

As a family-run restaurant franchise, the breakfast and lunch brand is all about comfort — offering a made-from-scratch menu of classic favorites between the hours of 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM in an environment as welcoming as mom’s home.

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

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As the health and wellness business in America continues to fill out, the fitness industry is growing alongside it. The industry now generates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/gym-fitness-franchises/5599/">over $7 billion</a> in annual revenue, with a revenue increase of nearly 3% in 2023 alone.Rebounding since COVID, both big box and boutique franchises have shown&nbsp;<a href="https://athletechnews.com/fitness-franchising-by-the-numbers-10-key-stats/">membership growth</a>, with premium establishments up 21% compared to a whopping enrollment bump of almost 70% on the budget gym side.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Big Box Gyms</h3>When it comes to choosing the right fitness franchise, there are pros and cons to each.Big box gyms are able to cast a wider net, attracting a clientele ranging anywhere from newbie to seasoned veteran, with a lower cost of entry potentially attracting even the marginally curious to the idea of a well-established, properly marketed brand.&nbsp;Big box and other low-cost fitness franchises are also able to capitalize on services like personal training and retail amenities, increasing revenue.Driven by recurring membership fees, big box gyms generally cost less. However, the wider net cast in terms of building a clientele, tends to require more equipment in a bigger space, increasing costs like rent. And with a wider array of workout machines to both service and maintain, additional costs tend to follow.<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Boutique Fitness Concepts</h3>On the boutique side, franchises are typically able to offer a more personalized fitness experience, catering to niche markets with an eye on community, quality and loyalty. However, a more hands on approach to management and day-to-day operations may also be necessary to deliver the more customized, immersive experience often demanded of the more boutique environment.As a result, boutique fitness concepts are typically able to capitalize on a more premium pricing model driven by the idea of exclusivity.But, while less equipment in a smaller space can help rein in expenses, it can also be difficult to build the more specific clientele required by the boutique experience, rendering selection of proper location crucial.<h3>Finding The Right Fit</h3>As potential franchisees assess the available opportunities in the fitness franchise realm, it’s important to ponder a number of factors which can impact the bottom line.In terms of budgeting, a full understanding of both initial investment and ongoing operational costs is crucial.&nbsp;Getting to know the customer and surrounding area can help franchisees assess just how much the consumer is looking to pay for a gym membership, helping clarify the big box versus boutique decision when it comes to the question of how to buy a franchise.There’s also market saturation, with big box gyms in particular becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace.On the management side, it’s important for franchisees to seize upon a specific approach, whether it’s applying a more hands on style to the level of personal interaction required on the boutique side or focusing on the moving parts in play in the larger, more complex big box environment.&nbsp;When it comes to buying a fitness franchise, an understanding of the consumer, proper assessment of the marketplace and specific approach to management can go a long way towards avoiding potential risk, helping franchisees find success as they ponder entrepreneurship via fitness franchises.For more info on fitness franchises, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-franchises-2025-trends-opportunities-2729600">The Rise of Fitness Franchises in 2025: Trends, Opportunities and What to Expect</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-health-and-wellness-franchises-2729821">Top 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-wellness-franchise-guide-2729443">How To Choose the Right Fitness or Wellness Franchise for You</a></li></ul>

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As the fitness industry continues to grow fast, the decision for potential franchisees lies in whether to invest in big box or boutique gym franchise opportunities.

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